Some love stories start with a spark — Kelsey and Nicholas’s began with a trail. The two met in 2018 while hiking the Appalachian Trail, each embarking on the journey solo. Their paths first crossed in Georgia, but it wasn’t until Virginia that they began hiking side by side. Step by step, through every challenge and mountain view, their friendship grew into something deeper. By the time they reached Maine, they knew they didn’t want their adventure together to end.

After their Appalachian Trail journey, Nicholas made the brave move from New York to Indiana to continue their story in the “real world.” They spent the pandemic together in a cozy one-bedroom apartment — a true test of love and patience — and came out stronger than ever. In 2022, they bought their first home, continuing their journey one new adventure at a time.

When it came time to propose, Nicholas couldn’t have chosen a more fitting setting. During a hike through Smoky Mountain National Park, he surprised Kelsey with a heartfelt proposal surrounded by the beauty of nature — the same kind of setting where their story first began.

Together, they’ve traveled across Indiana’s state parks and are now exploring national parks across the country, continuing to make memories one trail at a time. Kelsey and Nicholas celebrated their wedding at Drakewood Farm — the next great adventure in their love story.